Does anyone have any experience using the highly asymmetrical downward canted blade designs such as Werner's Sidekick (and sm.er Player), AT3, and Lightning's new Flow, Freeride, and Rodeo? I relish the idea of a higher stroke rate play paddle that stays out of the way of the gunwale (due to its extreme cut away) while still maintaining significantly more blade area (for extra bite and power) than touring blades have to offer. But, not being able to try any of these newer designs out around here, I have up until now dismissed them - things didn't work out with the Lendal idea I had earlier. A few specific questions: First, are there any negative traits to short touring with these park 'n' play WW blade designs? (other than lg. blade area = more shoulder stress) In high winds (other than being "catchy with their lg.er blade area)? And are there any odd handling traits which crop up? Last and unrelated question: Has anyone tried out Nigel Foster blade Lightning? Thoughts? And thanks to all who responded to my spraydeck and storm paddle inquiry! Vince *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
The Lightnin' FreeRide is my paddle of choice for sea boatin' when I'm not using my Greenland stick. I used and like the SideKick alot, but Hank and Lee at lightnin' are good friends and I've always been a big fan. Most of my instructors use the AT paddles for both whitewater and sea boatin'. Vertical, fast, light, short, strong. Gotta love all the low brace and hip rudder <outrigger> strokes and moves. Steve Scherrer aldercreek.com *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
Vince asked: >>>>>>Does anyone have any experience using the highly asymmetrical downward canted blade designs such as Werner's Sidekick (and sm.er Player), AT3, and Lightning's new Flow, Freeride, and Rodeo?<<<<< I've been testing a Freeride (in a 220cm length) that Lightning sent me to try the last three times I've paddled. While the blade is larger than I normally use, so far I have liked it a lot. It seems especially well adapted to a more vertical style of paddling and works well with a wing type paddle stroke I usually prefer (but without using one of those cantankerous wing paddles). The wide width and possibly the asymmetry of blade areas seems to minimize blade flutter on hard strokes. I also liked that I could start the stroke very near the kayak because of the shape of the lower shoulder. I'd say worth a try if you get the chance. Thanks for reminding me, I should give Hank a call to report my experiences. Matt Broze http://www.marinerkayaks.com *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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